The Constitution Alteration (Local Government Bodies) Bill 1974 (Cth). was an unsuccessful proposal to alter the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1901 as Proclaimed and Gazetted to allow the Commonwealth to grant financial assistance to local government bodies, and to borrow money on their behalf. It was put to voters for approval in a referendum held on 18 May 1974.
Question Proposed law entitled "An Act to alter the Constitution to enable the Commonwealth to borrow money for, and to grant financial assistance to, local government bodies".
Do you approve the proposed law?
The proposal was to insert into section 51 that the Parliament have power to make laws with respect to: (ivA.) The borrowing of money by the Commonwealth for local government bodies
And to add a new section 96A 96A. The Parliament may grant financial assistance to any local government body on such terms and conditions as the Parliament thinks fit.
Results
+ Result State Electoral roll Ballots issued For Against Informal Vote % Vote % New South Wales 2,834,558 2,702,903 1,350,274 1,308,03949.21 44,590 Victoria 2,161,474 2,070,893 961,664 47.38 1,068,120 41,109 Queensland 1,154,762 1,098,401 473,465 43.68 610,537 14,399 South Australia 750,308 722,434 298,489 42.52 403,479 20,466 Western Australia 612,016 577,989 229,337 40.67 334,529 14,123 Tasmania 246,596 237,891 93,495 40.03 140,073 4,323 Total for Commonwealth 7,759,714 7,410,511 3,406,724 46.85 3,864,777 139,010 Results Obtained majority in one state and an overall minority of 458,053 votes. Not carried
See also Politics of Australia History of Australia
References